2023 BMW XM
Overview
BMW’s M performance division, purveyor of land rockets like the M3 and M5 sedans, has dropped a hot-rod SUV on the tall-speedster class. Slotting above the three-row X7 in BMW’s SUV lineup, the new XM is an all-new two-row crossover with serious sporting intentions. The 2023 XM’s styling is inspired by the XM Concept from 2021. Although toned down, it’s still an aggressive design with gaping kidney-shaped grille openings, stacked tailpipes, and a slightly sloped roof that hints at a fastback shape. Under the hood is a 644-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain that gets its muscle from a twin-turbocharged V-8. About 30 miles of electric-only driving should be possible with a fully charged battery but it’s the XM’s performance potential that has our interest piqued.
What’s New for 2023?
The XM is a new model for the BMW lineup and is slated to appear in showrooms in early 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The XM’s starting price is high, but it does come loaded with luxury features, including leather upholstery, huge 23-inch wheels, a cool curved infotainment display, and a host of driver-assistance features. A limited-edition Label Red model will join the lineup for the 2024 model year, and BMW says it’ll offer an even more powerful 738-hp version of the XM’s powertrain to accompany its unique interior and exterior styling elements.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 isn’t new to the BMW powertrain portfolio but in the XM it’s partnered with an electric motor and a battery pack to create a whopping 644 horsepower. During our first test drive, we noted the powertrain’s immediate punch and estimated that it should get the XM to 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds, but when we got it on our home turf for testing, it surprised us with a 3.4-second leap to 60 mph. That puts the XM at a disadvantage—albeit only a slight one—when compared to other performance SUVs such as the Lamborghini Urus and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, both of which delivered zero-to-60-mph times of 3.2 seconds in our testing. The XM uses a coil-spring suspension system that’s augmented by adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars. The result isn’t as compliant and composed as it would be had BMW chosen to offer an air suspension, but in the Comfort driving mode, the ride is far from punishing. When set to Sport, the XM’s handling is responsive and eager which makes it good fun on a twisty road.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The XM’s 25.7-kWh battery pack is said to be good for about 30 miles of electric-only range per charge, and we managed to get close in our testing with a result of 29 miles. BMW says the XM’s onboard charger is capable of juicing the battery at up to 7.4 kW and should be able to charge up to 100 percent in a little over three hours.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA says the XM is good for only 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway despite its status as a plug-in hybrid. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the XM bested its EPA estimate by returning 20 mpg when going solely by its gasoline engine; when factoring in the 29 miles or so we drove on electric power its result is an even more palatable 49 MPGe. For more information about the XM’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Everything about the XM’s cabin is high-end, including its optional vintage-look leather upholstery that was first shown on the concept car. The XM’s cabin is strictly a two-row affair, and in place of a large panoramic sunroof, the XM can be had with a geometric-patterned faux-suede headliner that features fiber-optic lighting that’s used to dramatic effect. An optional audio upgrade adds a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with tweeters that illuminate.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large, curved display stretches across two-thirds of the dashboard. The display serves as both a digital gauge cluster as well as an on-board infotainment center, and It runs BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 software interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system are included as well.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Basic features such as automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are standard on all XM models, but more advanced tech, including an adaptive cruise control system with a lane-centering feature, is available too. For more information about the XM’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW offers a competitive limited and powertrain warranty that is bolstered by above-average complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 milesArrow pointing downArrow pointing down
Specifications
Specifications
2023 BMW XM
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $159,995/$168,395
Options: Bowers & Wilkins stereo, $3400; M Driver’s package, $2500; Silverstone and Vintage Coffee leather interior, $2500
POWERTRAIN
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve 4.4-liter V-8, 483 hp, 479 lb-ft + AC motor, 194 hp, 207 lb-ft (combined output: 644 hp, 590 lb-ft; 19.2-kWh lithium-ion; 7.4-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 16.5-in vented disc/15.7-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4 PNCS
F: 275/40R-22 107Y I ★
R: 315/35R-22 111Y I ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.2 in
Length: 201.2 in
Width: 78.9 in
Height: 69.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 57/52 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 64/19 ft3
Curb Weight: 6054 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.4 sec
100 mph: 8.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.7 sec @ 119 mph
160 mph: 25.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 168 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 153 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 303 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.92 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 49 MPGe/20 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 29/360 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 14/12/17 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 46 MPGe
EV Range: 31 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
